Overview of Madden Teams - Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are highly underrated by Madden players. This is an extremely good, young roster that (in my opinion) is a piece or two away from being a top ten team in Madden 15. Until then, they will hover around the 12 spot or so (no, I do not have an actual ranking for Madden teams... yet). In any event, this team can do some serious damage online or in franchise mode. They have good depth, and very good talent at the starting positions, which is more than many other teams can say for their rosters.
Offensively:
Quarterback - This team does not have to worry about finding a franchise quarterback. Ryan Tannehill is without a doubt someone you can build a team around. His mobility (83 speed, 82 agility) certainly comes in handy, as a former wide receiver. He has a good arm (91 throw power), and his accuracy is very good as well (88 short accuracy, 84 medium accuracy, and 70 deep accuracy), as he can even throw effectively while moving (85 throw on the run). With great size (6'4"), injury rating (94 injury), and youth (only 26 years old), anybody using this team would have to be out of their minds not to take advantage of this guy's abilities. At age 30, and with seven years of experience in this league, Matt Moore plays the role of a veteran backup very well. His 82 short accuracy and 78 deep accuracy mean that he can step in when needed, and perform at a high enough level, until the original starter returns.
Running Back - While Knowshon Moreno has the highest overall rating among runners of this team (84 overall), I would suggest starting 23 year old Lamar Miller at half back. He has blazing speed (95 in that category), he can catch well for a running back (69 catch), and he can hold on to the ball well (87 carrying). Moreno would play a much better role as a runner who splits carries with Miller every so often, when he needs a rest. Knowshon's speed and quickness are nothing special (86 in both speed and agility), yet he's not quite a powerful guy who runs people over, either (72 trucking). While he can both catch and protect the ball a little better than the 23 year old (78 catch, 91 carrying), Miller is the best option to carry the load for this offense. Daniel Thomas, Mike Gillislee, rookie Damien Williams, and LaMichael James make for good depth, should injury happen. James is also very useful for returning kicks (92 speed, 93 agility). Fullback Gerell Robinson (a former Bronco tight end) is by no means a blocker (55 run blocking), but he can carry the ball every once in a while (84 speed, 70 carrying) to keep the defense on its heels, or catch a few passes a game (76 catch).
Wide Receiver - Mike Wallace is a burner on the outside (98 speed, 92 agility), with average size (6'0", 195 pounds), and good route running abilities (87 route running). His hands are solid (88 catch, 82 catch in traffic), and he is capable of making fantastic plays (93 spectacular catch). While that spot is locked down, the battle for the number two position between veteran Brian Hartline, and 21 year old Jarvis Landry is one to keep an eye out for. While Landry has better hands (88 catch, 92 catch in traffic compared to 85 catch, 90 catch in traffic), Hartline would be my choice to start opposite Wallace simply because of his size (6'2", 199 pounds) and better beat press ability (80 in that rating). Receivers on the outside need those skills in order to get off of jams by the corners. Landry would still play a huge factor, no doubt, as I would feel safer throwing a slant route over the middle on 3rd and 4 (into traffic) to Jarvis Landry than I would with Hartline. Brandon Gibson, Rishard Matthews, and rookie Matt Hazel provide excellent depth at this position (no less than 77 catch, and 75 catch in traffic ratings).
Tight End - While Charles Clay is not a "superstar" at his position, he is definitely a very good starter. His 84 speed and 81 agility make him capable of moving around to make the catch (87 catch, 86 catch in traffic) and sprint downfield to lose defenders for a big gain. He can't block nearly as well as some others at his position (66 run block), but his other skills can help him become a major factor in this offense. Dion Sims and Arthur Lynch are viable options if Clay goes down to injury, or if you come out in two tight end sets, but they pose no threat to Charles Clay's starting job.
Offensive Line - This team has a good line overall, but there can be a few improvements. Branden Albert is a top ten left tackle, who rarely allows his quarterback to be sacked (97 pass blocking), and he can help with the ground game too (87 run blocking). He is 29 years old, so the team should invest in a young backup for him, which is where rookie Ja'Wuan James comes in. He is average for now (79 pass blocking, 77 run blocking), but James has potential. Guard Daryn Colledge and center Samson Satele are average starters at best, and should be replaced. Their play is average, and could allow a big defensive play, that may eventually decide the differece between making and missing the playoffs. Mike Pouncey is a very good guard (88 overall), and is young enough to be on this line for years (25 years old). Nate Garner should be replaced at right tackle as well. He is listed as a left tackle, and is the better option than Jason Fox (the top right tackle on the roster). These are needs that need to be fixed immediately.
Defensively:
Defensive Line - Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon can cause havoc coming off the edges. This is one duo who should be feared by oppposing offenses. On top of that, 24 year old Dion Jordan backs up the both of them, meaning when one of those two are fatigued, a fresh and athletic (84 speed) pass rusher comes in, waiting to pick up where he left off. Wake is 32 years old, so his time on this team may be limited, and Jordan may be a prime candidate to take over for him, once that does happen. Veterans Randy Starks (85 overall) and Jared Odrick (80 overall) make for another ferocious pair on the interior of the line. Earl Mitchell and rookie Anthony Johnson can fill in when needed and keep disrupting the offense's rhythm.
Linebackers - This position of starters is average and ageing - the two "A's" you do not want to hear about your players. All three starters (Phillip Wheeler, Koa Misi, and Dannell Ellerbe) are in their late 20's, and should either be traded away, benched or released relatively soon. 22 year old Jelani Jenkins can take over for Wheeler on the left side, and Misi and Ellerbe should be able to keep their jobs for the next season. This team needs to begin drafting linebackers to replace them, however.
Cornerbacks - Brent Grimes is one of the best cover corners in the game (92 man coverage, 90 zone coverage, 92 overall), and he should have second year player Will Davis (83 man coverage) lined up across from him (although he is not quite the ideal number two corner). Feisty veteran Cortland Finnegan should play as the nickel back (85 zone coverage), so he doesn't get burned by a wideout (with his 86 acceleration) on a "go" route. RJ Stanford and Jamar Taylor provide good depth, although their average ratings in coverage are the reasons why they should not start for this team this season.
Safety - Former Detriot Lion Louis Delmas is a solid starter for Miami (84 overall), and his 73 catch, and 82 hit power allow him to make big plays across from Reshad Jones. With a 92 overall (at only age 26), Jones is also a big-play safety who can do it all. He has a 69 catch, 90 jump, 83 tackle, and 89 hit power ratings. When you pair these with his 84 zone coverage, and 86 pursuit, you get one of the best safeties in the game.
Summary: This is a great team, madden-wise and they can be taken to great heights in franchise mode. If the problems with left guard, center, right tackle, and the linebacker position as a whole are tended to (and maybe the drafting or signing of a better option for the number two cornerback slot), this could be a top 5 team in a hurry. If not, the Miami Dolphins are still a great team to use, but there may be some issues along the offensive line, and in the linebacking core.
